Hannington Mumo Poet Elegy

Sorrowing Ennui

Vexations after vexations file on
In this temporal succession here;
And even the best zeal and effort
Meet cold uncertainty and fear.

Petty foes give way to petty foes
In strenuous strivings here below;
And even the soberest of hours
Is fraught with sorrow and woe. 

And no new joy that melts here
That’s not with fresh sorrows dealt;
Till the merriest hour in this sojourn
Is as close-punctuated mourning felt.

So now let every minute go 
And every new hour emerge;
This soul shall no joys expect 
But will silently mime its dirge.

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Tom Cunningham July 30, 2026 at 10:43 AM We all encounter those dark periods in our lives but we mustn't give up on hope that the sun will shine on our lives once more. Tom

Jesse Rowe July 30, 2026 at 10:16 AM Powerful words. I liked the imagery of the ending: "silently miming a dirge". I'm feeling a bit of ennui myself of late. I rest in knowing joy will spring again (likely when I least expect it). Best wishes.